Plan To Apply For Grant For Walkway Backed

November 16, 1994|By E.J. GONG JR.; Courant Staff Writer

WILLIMANTIC — An elevated timber walkway and several scenic foot trails could run along the Willimantic River at the former American Thread Co. site if the project's developer wins a federal grant next year.

The board of selectmen voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the developer's plan to apply for the $400,000 grant. If Windham Mills Development Corp. gets the grant, it would create Heritage River Park along the river next to Mill 4 of the thread complex. The grant requires matching funds from the corporation.

Windham Mills Development is overseeing renovation of the sprawling mill site. It hopes to file the grant application by the deadline, which is Friday.

``This would open up the scenic river views to the people of Windham,'' said Geri Langlois, president of Windham Mills Development. ``It will connect the State Heritage Park to Recreation Park and allow for access through the Windham Mills site.''

Most people in town really don't know what a gem of a resource the river area provides.''

Langlois said that the grant provides an opportunity to increase the amount of money for the project.

If awarded the grant, the development corporation, which has already won nearly $6 million from the State Bond Commission, would match the federal grant by spending $400,000 which it had already allocated to beautify the area.

The town took ownership of the former American Thread mill in September and hopes to transform the site into a thriving urban park.

In a separate meeting Tuesday night, the Kramer Middle School Reuse Committee heard public recommendations for the middle school once it closes in September 1996.

Residents suggested many ideas, including the transformation of the 100-year-old building into a youth center, a YMCA, or an elementary school.